Search Dictionary
Definition of leopard

leopard

/ˈlɛp.ɚd/
leop · ard

Plural:leopards
JUMP TO:

leopard Lexical Profile

leopard Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large, solitary wild cat (Panthera pardus) native to Africa and Asia, typically characterized by a tawny coat covered in dark rosette-shaped spots.

Example

"During the safari in Kenya, we were lucky enough to spot a leopard resting high in the branches of an acacia tree."


2

The pelt or fur of a leopard, or a synthetic fabric displaying a similarly spotted pattern, used in clothing and fashion.

Example

"She wore a bold scarf patterned in leopard to add a touch of flair to her otherwise monochrome outfit."

• Rhymes for leopard

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English leopard, via Old French from Late Latin leopardus, derived from Greek leopardos (a compound of leon 'lion' and pardos 'panther'). This reflects an ancient, erroneous belief that the animal was a hybrid of a lion and a panther.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Leopard. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/leopard
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.